mid-division, lost place from behind 11th, tailed off and pulled up after 5 out
chased leaders until weakened 4 out
behind, outpaced when blundered 3 out, pulled up and dismounted after next
in touch, ridden and outpaced 4 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway to track leaders 4 out, 6 lenths 4th and outpaced when blundered last
tracked leader, lost place 13th, weakened 5 out
led, mistake 7th, blundered 13th, headed before 3 out, rallied and every chance next, one pace last
in touch, headway 4 out, led 2 out, driven and stayed on well flat
behind, outpaced 4 out, never dangerous
in touch, went 2nd 13th, led before 3 out, headed next, kept on same pace flat
Willing Weasel (selected), Classic Harry and Stravaigin make most appeal but keep a close eye on Dad's Army. The selection was always likely to make up into a better chaser than hurdler and duly improved on the form that he'd shown over timber when finishing third at Bangor on his return from a break. This faster ground is a concern but his trainer presumably has no fears on that score and he should come into his own at this trip. Classic Harry has also been crying out for this step up in trip as he showed when staying on strongly last time. A similar performance should see him have a say in the outcome. Dad's Army has yet to jump a fence in public but he has shown enough over hurdles to suggest that he's not devoid of ability and a market move for him would bring him into the equation. Stravaigin has been busy over hurdles of late but she can jump a fence too and could go close if her stamina lasts out. There are no such concerns with Willing Weasel and he's preferred.
Ballyhale (IRE) 16-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear last, won at Wetherby 3m hcp hdl gd in Apr beating Harry Flashman (11-9) by 6l, 7 ran.
Rebond (FR) 20-1 (11-5) Jumped right, led to 2nd, chased clear leader, mistake and lost place 4th, reminders next, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Art Virginia (10-13) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy in Mar, 6 ran.
Chateau Rouge (IRE) 18-1 (11-0) Held up, effort 4 out, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 34l behind Stagecoach Amber (11-0) at Catterick 2m mdn chs (4) gf in Mar.
Count The Cost (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Held up in touch until weakened 10th, behind when pulled up 5 out in race won by Bronson F'sure (11-6) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Apr, 10 ran.
Willing Weasel (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) In rear, hampered 1st, headway 8th, ridden when pecked 2 out, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 10, 5l behind Investment Affair (11-9) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs.
Classic Harry 14-1 (10-1) Behind, struggling 10th, ridden 3 out, stayed on well from next, took 3rd near finish, 3rd of 13, 11l behind Spirit Calling (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Apr.
It's Blue Chip 20-1 (11-2) Led to 6th, led 9th, mistake 10th, headed 13th, weakening when mistake last, 4th of 10, 15l behind Lucky Luk (10-11) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Apr.
Stravaigin 16-1 (10-6) In touch, outpaced 3 out, ridden and weakened next, 6th of 15, 26l behind The Great Alfie (10-11) at Perth 3m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.
Dad's Army (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Held up, outpaced 3 out, kept on under pressure from next, never on terms, 4th of 8, 35l behind Gee Dee (10-6) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Garleton (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) In touch, outpaced after 4 out, kept on under pressure flat, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Palmers Peak (10-12) at Kelso 3m 1f nov chs (3) gs.
